Halloween party ideas and more

The Spirits Come out on Halloween!

Most people reminisce of drinking holidays like St. Patrick’s day and New Years Eve. Everything is themed; from the awe-inducing decor to the tantalizing liquid indulgences. In the same manner, Halloween can be a fun and festive adult celebration. With the right amount of planning and thought, you can transfer your house’s bar into the soiree of the year.

Along with picking out the right attire, fashioning up your house is a must. Creepy cobwebs and jack-o-lanterns are sure to set the spooky mood. Gothic candles with drippy wax and eerie music will create the ambiance for your ghoulish event. We don’t need the pagan excuse to celebrate! Just be sure your spirits are spot on the witch’s nose.

The Pumpkin Martini

The Pumpkin Martini is always a classic staple for any Autumn get-together. Lush with sweet decadence, this drink will leave the ghouls lusting for more.

You will need:

1/2 oz cream liquor

2 oz vanilla vodka

1/2 oz pumpkin Puree

1 tsp whipped topping

1 cinnamon stick (garnish)

Martini Shaker

Ice

Shake liquor and vodka in a martini shaker filled half way with ice. Add puree and violently shake for about 30 seconds, or until well blended. Pour into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a plop of whipped topping and 1 cinnamon stick. To create the same drink for kids, substitute half-and-half for the liquor and skim milk for the vodka. Add a tsp of vanilla extract.

Hot Apple Cider

Hot Apple Cider is the ultimate Hallow’s eve concoction. This is especially easy, as the cider is inexpensive and can be purchased by the gallon. Heat the cider on low in a large pot with small chunks of apples. Let heat until the apples are slightly mushy and flavor the cider. You can add bourbon, whisky or dark rum to your liking. A dash of All Spice, nutmeg and some small cinnamon sticks can be tossed in for extra dazzle and flavor. You can also add a little bit of orange juice. Keep tasting it until you reach the desired flavor. Place the bowl of cider on a heated plate with a ladle for guests. If there are children, skip the hard liquor.

Zombie Punch

Zombie Punch will transform the living into the undead. What costume party would be complete without this signature punch? Just like hunch-punch and jungle-juice, Zombie Punch is a creative spin on the classic take. Make sure your guests don’t have too much; or they might become thirsty for something other than punch!

You will need:

10 oz vodka

5 oz orange liquor

2 oz bitters

8 oz blood orange juice (or fruit punch)

16 oz black cherry soda

ice

grenadine

In a large punch bowl filled with ice, pour in all of the ingredients except the grenadine. Next rim the top of the bowl with the grenadine so that it seeps down and appears bloody (for best results, use a clear bowl). For a spunky kick, you can make pink Jello shots (with vodka) in plastic brain molds. Go ahead and drop them into the punch. If your serving children, omit the vodka, bitters and liquor.

Salted Tootsie Roll Shots

Salted Tootsie Roll Shots are a simple recipe that can be enjoyed by any ghoul with a sweet-tooth.

You will need:

2 oz caramel vodka

1 oz chocolate-cream liquor

1 splash of orange juice

1 bag of Tootsie Rolls

Martini Shaker

Ice

Shake all ingredients (except Tootsies) in an iced shaker 3/4 full. Sift through into shot glasses. Take the Tootsie Rolls and slice up vertically about 3/4 of the way. Next Garnish the shot glasses with the Tootsies. If making this for children, opt for an entire drink rather than a shot. The ingredient ratios will be the same, except each pour will amount to one drink rather than shots. Substitute the 3 oz’s of liquor for 2% milk. Add chocolate and caramel syrup.

Lime Slime Soda

Lime Slime Soda will be the eye-catching cocktail of the ball. It appears neon green, almost glowing. It’s sweet and sour, with the right amount of citrus. This will make any vampire’s jaw drop.

You will need:

1 oz lime juice

3 tblsp sugar

2 oz citrus vodka

1/2 scoop lime sorbet

1 splash champagne (or sparkling water)

ice

martini shaker

In a martini shaker filled 1/3 way with ice, add all ingredients and violently shake. Pour the mixture into the glass. The result will bubbly perfection! If seeking a nonalcoholic alternative, omit vodka and champagne. Substitute sparkling water for vodka and lemon-lime soda for the champagne.

Whether you are throwing a strictly-adult themed function or a party for all ages, these delightfully creepy cocktails are sure to make the statement that your ghoul’s will crave. Remember that on Halloween, the spirits come out at night!